Shustoke Reservoir lies two miles east of Coleshill on the B4114 Coleshill to Furnace End Road, south of the River Bourne. At 1.5km west to east, the main pool is only 400m at its widest point. The River Bourne feeds the smaller eastern pool (8 acres), the water is then transferred to the main reservoir (92 acres). Disturbance at weekends can be a problem.

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Wednesday 9th February

Firstly last night I walked the dog around the Reservoir from 5.15pm onwards, listening for Owls and drew a blank, however, I did count 92 Goosander in a large raft which is brilliant, there may have been more but it was really dark before I got to the far end.

This morning, looking out the window it was dull and dank and I hesitated before deciding togo. However, at 8.15 I was on my way around, the car park was empty (always a good sign). There were a couple of joggers running with their dogs but generally I had the place to myself. There were still in the region of 40 Goosander present and 160+ Pochard.

The highlight for me – and a Shustoke tick was a female Pintail that flew through. I assume it’s the bird that has been present at Ladywalk for a while but was a bonus on a dull morning. There are still a few Siskin around and the first signs of spring are beginning to appear with a buds starting to appear on the hawthorn. I also heard six singing Song Thrush around the reservoir.

As far as dog walkers taking notice of the new signs, todays result was